"The EU is willing to sign the Association Agreement with Ukraine in Vilnius; equally, we believe that Ukraine's choice is unequivocal, and that it is ready to prove its willingness to sign the Agreement by taking the remaining steps. There is no place for plan B in EU thinking," said Minister Linkevičius.
The EU foreign ministers did not take a decision on signing the agreement.
"Ukraine has recently achieved a lot. It has shown determined action and tangible progress in many areas; but we are not there yet. It would be highly misfortunate to slip from the road just before the finish line," said Minister Linkevičius.
To achieve sufficient progress and deliver tangible results, the Ukrainian President should show leadership, Lithuanian minister said, adding that the EU must demonstrate that it is ready to sign the agreement if key decisions are taken in Ukraine.
"We still have ten days but time is melting away. We know what we want to achieve at the Vilnius Summit and Ukraine knows what it must do for this to become true. I hope that Ukraine will use this week productively and that the necessary laws will be adopted without further delays," said Minister Linkevičius.
In the joint discussion of ministers of foreign affairs and defence on the Common Security and Defence Policy, Minister Linkevičius urged the EU to adopt its strategic thinking to the new realities and threats by starting discussions on a new EU strategic framework document.
"We should start discussing the global changes and how to deal with them. We must further strengthen regular EU–NATO political dialogue and practical cooperation to coordinate defence planning, crisis management and operations. Noting the contribution of Eastern Partners to EU military operations and civilian missions, we should deepen our cooperation," said Minister Linkevičius.
The Foreign Affairs Council has also discussed the Syrian crisis and the developments in the EU's Southern Neighbourhood as well as situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.